This will be the first of its kind outside of major metropolitan high schools.

In addition, NEGS has announced they will commence building a state-of-the-art synthetic hockey field to be ready in early 2019 which will be built to Federation of International Hockey (FIH) Standards.

The facility include LED lighting (one of the first of its kind in Australia) and cutting-edge hybrid synthetic surface. The program will be managed by Hockey NSW player pathways manager, Richard Willis, and delivered by regional coaching coordinator Greg Doolan.

Hockey NSW aim to commence trials later in the year.

The state sporting organisation’s chief executive David Thompson welcomed the news NEGS will be investing in an international-standard hockey facility and said it will be a boost for the sport and the community.

Local participation manager Blair Chalmers said the Armidale-based school provides the perfect opportunity to develop female participation in hockey. 

“Hockey NSW is keen to increase female participation in the sport, and with 70 per cent of their registrations located in regional NSW, NEGS are ideally positioned to capture this market,” he said. 

“Hockey NSW is committed to lifting the profile of hockey, and a key part of the program is identifying and assisting talented athletes reach their potential.

“We have seen great success with similar programs running in other state sports high schools resulting in a significant increase in program numbers both from existing students and new participants”.

Students from years seven to 12 will be eligible to attend the trials, both from NEGS, around Australia and internationally. Those successful in making it into the year-round hockey program will receive intensive training and skills development delivered to them as current and newly enrolled NEGS students.

NEGS Director of Sports, Josh Cohen, said all players will be given the best possible hockey experience.

“Our ethos is all-inclusive, and we aim to give as many of our students and talented players from around NSW, the opportunity to develop their hockey skills at a competitive level,” he said.

“Having a focus on player pathway will strengthen our performance as a school and allow those players to develop within the NEGS environment. Additionally, elite players will have access to the best coaching in the state delivered by Hockey NSW specialists.”

Principal, Mrs Mary Anne Evans said the school’s alliance with Hockey NSW marks the achievement of a key milestone in line with NEGS’ Strategic Plan.